David Lassman / The Post-Standard Emily Walley, 7, of Liverpool, keeps dry during the Fishing for Dollars Tournament on Onondaga Lake. More photos.

Fishing is one thing, particularly on a nice day. Fishing for money -- quite another. Local anglers had it both ways today at the annual Fishing for Dollars Tournament held on Onondaga Lake.
More than 300 anglers, young and old, turned out to compete for $12,500 in cash prizes.
"With the weather the way it was it kind of affected the turnout but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise because it made the fish bite better," said tournament director Richard Streich. "The rain let up and the people who stayed went out and did well."

This year's event handed out a total of $5,000 in each of the two adult divisions (men's and women's) for the five, top big bass, weightwise.

The biggest bass this year in the two adult divisions were taken by Todd Aldrich, of Syracuse, with a bass weighing 4 pounds, 8 ounces and Nichole Damewood, of Hastings, with a bass of 4 pounds, 8 ounces, earning the two lucky anglers $2,000 apiece.

A total of $2,500 was handed out for the 10 biggest fish (length) landed by youngsters up to age 15. The winner of the youth division was Austin Appleby, whose 32 1/4-carp earned him $750. Adult competitors this year paid an entry fee of $25. Children paid $10.